Security process at Flint Bishop airport eases for seniors

View full sizeA rendering of a wider Bishop International Airport corridor where passengers walk to and from the gates. When expansion is complete in the fall, airport officials say the space will relieve crowding and reduce wait times at security checkpoints.

FLINT, MI -- Two separate security measures at Bishop
International Airport should smooth the check-in process for Flint passengers.

The first change, that went into effect this week, involves
the screening guidelines for seniors.

"For anyone 75 years of age or older, it means they can leave their light
jackets and shoes on during the screening at the security check point," said
Bishop Airport spokesperson Pat Corfman.

Corfman says Transportation Security Administration (TSA)
officials at Bishop made the change locally when it was announced at the
national level.

Signs at the airport now read that if a person is "born on or before today's date in 1937, you
can leave your light jacket and shoes on during screening."

While she is not aware of formal complaints about delays,
Corfman says the move should streamline the process.

"And it should be welcomed news to the seniors and elderly
who, up until now, had to maneuver to get their shoes off for security
inspections," said Corfman.

While changes at the security checkpoint are immediate for
seniors, Corfman says the general public will notice greater space in the
security area at Bishop airport later this fall.

"The terminal will triple in size at our TSA check-in area
by the end of September or early October," Corfman said.

In the past, airport officials said the expansion was planned to relieve crowding and reduce wait times at the security checkpoints.

Right now, Corfman says, there is limited space for
passengers going in and coming out in the TSA area.

"Passengers going through the two check points are often
limited in space and the passengers coming out through that area end up having
to pass through a single lane," she said.
"There will still be the same two check points, but with more room for
everyone passing through."

The expansion of the security area is part of the final
expansion plan for the building that adds four new gates to the west side of
the passenger holding area in the airport.